Interior designs experts shared the design choices that are overused and losing favour in 2026 – and what you should consider instead
Spring is the season of transformation, making it the ideal time to embark on a thorough spring clean or breathe new life into your home. Everyone has their own tastes and style preferences, but if you want to stay ahead of the game, industry insiders have revealed the trends to steer clear of this season, and what to opt for instead.
Interior design and DIY specialists from Wickes revealed to DailyExpress.co.uk the design choices that are currently on trend, as well as the one that’s becoming overused and falling out of favour in 2026. The one trend to avoid? We’ve all been guilty of it at some point.
If you’re contemplating giving your home a makeover this spring, the Wickes experts have highlighted the one design choice you should swerve. Next time you find yourself in the paint aisle, give neutral shades a wide berth.
Lewis Janes, Head of Decorating & Storage at Wickes, told DailyExpress.co.uk: “While muted tones such as beige and grey remain common choices, homeowners are growing bolder with their interiors. The era of ‘millennial grey’ is behind us, with richer, more comforting tones – deep greens, burgundies, and punchy blues-taking centre stage.
“Single-colour saturation, sometimes called ‘colour drenching,’ is also fading, replaced by more layered approaches like colour capping, where walls and ceilings or trims are painted in complementary or contrasting shades to add depth and personality to a space.”
Instead, the experts recommended budding DIY enthusiasts shift their focus away from neutral shades towards other trends that will breathe new life into your home. When selecting fresh paint colours, Wickes’ Senior Product Manager for Kitchens explained that warm, rich tones are firmly in fashion, reports the Express.
Tom said: “In kitchen design, we’re seeing the influence of colour capping really take hold. Rich, warming tones such as burgundy, forest green and terracotta are becoming increasingly popular, while classic shades like white and duck egg blue remain timeless choices.
“With Wickes Paint to Order Kitchens, customers can select from ten on-trend colours from Heritage Red to Clean Linen, making it easy to bring bold, stylish colour into their homes.”
For those looking to make a room stand out this spring, Lewis highlighted a previous trend that appears to be staging a comeback: feature walls. Whether opting for a contrasting paint colour or a patterned wallpaper, it can deliver a real impact in any room.
Lewis said: “Feature walls are making a strong return, but in a more considered and sophisticated way. Today, it’s about creating impact rather than following early 2000s trends. Bold statement wallpapers offer an easy way to add personality without repainting a whole room, and a well-chosen print can serve as a striking focal point that ties the space together.
“Our curated collection provides inspiring options for homeowners ready to embrace this refined look.”
